Queen Program
The Role of the Queen:
A Voice for Our Industry
Each year, the Texas Watermelon Association (TWA) proudly crowns a new Texas Watermelon Queen at our Annual Convention. She serves as the voice of the Texas watermelon industry, a dynamic Promotional Ambassador who travels across the state and beyond. From Grower Field Days and County Fairs to Supermarket Events, Parades, Festivals, School Visits, and TV Interviews, she champions the sweetness and value of Texas watermelons.
With professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm, the Texas Watermelon Queen educates consumers on the many benefits of watermelons while representing the hard work of our growers, shippers, and industry partners.
At the end of her reign, she competes on the national stage at the National Watermelon Association Convention, vying for the prestigious title of National Watermelon Queen continuing to elevate the industry she represents.
This Year’s Watermelon Queen
Lorelai Hill
“Serving as the 2026 Texas Watermelon Queen is truly one of the greatest honors of my life. Being entrusted to represent an industry rooted in tradition, resilience, and family legacy means more to me than I can put into words.
As a proud Texan studying Political Science, I am passionate about leadership, service, and advocacy. My agricultural background gives me a deep appreciation for the hard work that fuels our farming communities. Agriculture tells a powerful story: perseverance, innovation, and commitment.
Whether I’m visiting growers, speaking at community events, engaging with students, or connecting with families across Texas, my goal is to build genuine relationships and shine a light on the people behind every harvest. I want consumers not only to enjoy Texas watermelons but also to truly understand and appreciate the dedication that brings them from the field to their tables.
As queen, I cherish serving others, celebrating farmers, promoting Texas agriculture, and sharing the sweetness of Texas watermelons across our state. I am grateful for this platform and look forward to the year ahead with family, friends, and community.”
History of the Queen Program
Established in 1966 by the Texas Watermelon Association, the Texas Watermelon Queen program was created to promote the state’s watermelon industry and its growers. Over the years, it has grown into a cherished tradition, with each Queen serving as an ambassador for Texas agriculture.
Sign Up:
For Grocers, Future Applicants, and Industry Members
The Queen Program is our leading promotional initiative to boost watermelon sales and consumption for retailers while supporting the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
The Queen’s Role include:
- Educating consumers about watermelon origins, growing regions, seasonality, proper selection, and storage.
- Promoting watermelon as a nutritious, affordable, and sustainable choice for families.
- Developing future leaders—many former Queens have built successful careers in agriculture and agribusiness.
For Applicants: Candidates should be prepared for a two-year commitment in the event of winning the National Watermelon Queen title.
Eligibility:
- Texas Watermelon Queen contestants must be at least 18 years old (and have completed high school) and no more than 24 years of age by April 1st, 2026
- No prior watermelon experience needed.
- Must attend Queen Training in spring.
Benefits for the 2026 Texas Watermelon Queen
- $5,000 Scholarship
- $125 Per Diem for promotions
- $2,000 Wardrobe Allowance
Runner-Up Prizes:
- First Runner-Up: $3,000
- Second Runner-Up: $1,000
The first 10 contestants who submit forms will receive $500 after the pageant to help with expenses.
Entry Deadline: Sunday October 25th, 2026 (Applications available end of July/early August.)
Calendar of Queen Visits/Locations
January
Regional Chapter Conventions, Greenhouse Tours
February
National Watermelon Convention
March
School Visits, National Agriculture Day
April
Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day, Viva Fresh, Queen Training, Cooper River Bridge Run
May
Farm and Packing Shed Tours, HEB Produce Expo
June
Capitol Hill Visits, Various Watermelon Festivals
July
National Watermelon Month
(busiest month for promotions!)
August
Back-to-School Events, Seed Field Days
September
Labor Day Promotions
October
Marine Corps Marathon
November
Texas Watermelon Convention
December
Regional Chapter Conventions, Industry Meetings, Kickoffs
(Grocery store promotions run from May–September)
Maximize Your Impact with a Queen Visit
When the Texas Watermelon Queen visits your operation, it’s more than just an appearance—it’s an opportunity to spotlight your business and engage directly with consumers. Whether you’re a grower, shipper, or industry associate, the Queen supports:
- Grocery store promotions
- Field days for up-and-coming varieties
- Industry meetings
- Educational and advocacy events
Contact for Visit
To schedule a Queen visit or tour
Texas Watermelon Association (TWA)
Promotions Coordinator (Part-Time)
Position Overview
The Texas Watermelon Association (TWA) is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and forward-thinking Promotions Coordinator to lead the Texas Watermelon Queen Program and support the marketing, communications, and event activities of our association.
As TWA celebrates over 60 years of serving the Texas watermelon industry, this position plays a vital role in advancing our mission: to promote the production and consumption of Texas watermelons while supporting the growers, shippers, retailers, and industry partners who make our industry successful.
The Promotions Coordinator serves as the primary liaison for the Texas Watermelon Queen Program and works closely with the Executive Board to enhance member engagement, strengthen industry outreach, and help position the association for continued growth and success in the future.
About the Texas Watermelon Association
Key Responsibilities
Texas Watermelon Queen Program Management
- Serve as the primary coordinator of the Texas Watermelon Queen Program.
- Recruit and solicit qualified queen candidates from across Texas.
- Plan and execute annual queen training efforts in coordination with the National Watermelon Association (NWA) and National Watermelon Promotions Board (NWPB).
- Mentor and support the current Texas Watermelon Queen throughout her reign.
- Coordinate all queen appearances, travel, scheduling, and promotional activities. This includes farm tours, grocery/retail visits, lobbying efforts, travel with other state associations, and much more!
- Arrange and manage travel logistics for both the Coordinator and the Texas Watermelon Queen.
- Plan and oversee the annual Texas Watermelon Queen Pageant held during the TWA Annual Convention each November.
- Prepare and support the Texas Watermelon Queen in competing for the National Watermelon Queen title at the National Watermelon Association Convention each February.
- Maintain positive relationships with contestants, parents, sponsors, and industry members.
Marketing & Communications
- Manage and grow TWA social media platforms- association and queen pages.
- Create engaging content that promotes Texas watermelons, the association, industry members, events, and the Queen Program.
- Assist with marketing campaigns, promotional materials, newsletters, and member communications.
- Support efforts to modernize and strengthen the association’s public image and digital presence.
- Promote the value of Texas-grown watermelons to consumers and industry stakeholders.
Event & Association Support
- Assist the Executive Board in planning, organizing, and executing:
- Annual Texas Watermelon Convention
- Board meetings throughout the year
- Industry events and promotional opportunities
- Attend and provide on-site support for association meetings and events.
- Coordinate event logistics, registration, communication, and promotional activities.
- Support membership engagement and help identify ways to streamline processes and improve the member experience.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain organized records related to the Queen Program and promotional activities.
- Respond professionally to emails, phone calls, and member inquiries.
- Collaborate with board members, industry partners, sponsors, and volunteers.
- Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.
Interpersonal Responsibilities
- Cultivate relationships with community organizations, retailers, festivals, schools, media outlets, and industry partners to increase opportunities for Texas Watermelon Queen appearances and promotional activities.
- Actively promote the Texas Watermelon Queen Program to generate enthusiasm for Texas-grown watermelons and expand the program’s visibility across the state.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships that enhance the Queen Program’s reach, create meaningful promotional opportunities, and increase support for the Texas watermelon industry.
- Identify and pursue new appearance opportunities, sponsorships, and collaborative partnerships that elevate awareness of the Texas Watermelon Association and its mission.
- Serve as an advocate for the Queen Program by building excitement around appearances, educational outreach, community engagement, and industry events.
Qualifications
Required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with board members and volunteers.
- Experience with social media platforms and basic digital marketing.
- Comfortable planning travel, coordinating schedules, and managing events.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Texas and out of state- April-Sept being the busiest travel months.
- Access to a dependable phone, internet service, and computer.
- Professional demeanor with mentoring and leadership abilities.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Preferred
- Experience in event planning, communications, marketing, pageant coordination, youth leadership programs, agriculture, nonprofit organizations, or association management.
- Graphic design, photography, or content creation skills.
No prior watermelon industry knowledge or experience is required. Training and industry education will be provided.
Personal Characteristics
The ideal candidate is:
- A strong communicator and relationship builder.
- Passionate about representing Texas agriculture and rural communities.
- Comfortable mentoring young leaders.
- Detail-oriented and dependable.
- Creative, innovative, and willing to bring fresh ideas to the association.
- Flexible and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Committed to helping TWA evolve and better serve its membership for the future.
Position Details
- Position Type: Part-Time
- Reports To: Texas Watermelon Association Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Ex Officio Members)
- Travel: Required
- Work Location: Remote within Texas, with travel for events, conventions, meetings, and promotional appearances
TO APPLY:
Complete the attached PDF and submit with a resume to texaswatermelons@gmail.com
Cover letters encouraged but not required.
Mission Impact
This position directly supports the Texas Watermelon Association’s mission to promote Texas-grown watermelons, strengthen industry relationships, develop future leaders through the Queen Program, and ensure the continued success of the Texas watermelon industry for generations to come.
Join us as we celebrate more than 60 years of serving the Texas watermelon industry and help shape the next chapter of the Texas Watermelon Association.